Prostate enlargement, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland. The enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, making it difficult to pass urine. In this video, we present you seven foods that contain necessary vitamins and minerals to prevent an enlarged prostate.
1. Sesame Seeds As per the Indian Journal of Urology, sesame seeds are rich in Zinc and hence essential to prostate health. Men prone to BPH or prostate cancer will have lower levels of Zinc (sometimes up to 75% lower) when compared to those with healthy prostates.
Always prefer Zinc from food as its easier to absorb than zinc supplements. Snacking on zinc-rich foods such as sesame seeds, almonds, adzuki beans, and pumpkin seeds will do wonders for your body. 2.
Tomatoes According to the National Cancer Institute, consuming tomatoes can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer as they contain lycopene. As per the study, lycopene has reduced the progression of BPH in participants. It also helps to lower the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) connected to the Prostate inflammation, BPH, and prostate cancer.
Make sure to include lycopene-rich food with natural fats like avocado, and nuts to enhance absorption. 3. Bell Peppers As per Mayo Clinic, vitamin C plays a significant role in fighting BPH.
Vitamin C inhibits HIF-1alpha, a molecule found to be highly expressed in patients with BPH and prostate cancer. Bell Pepper is loaded with Vitamin C. Nearly 200% of your required daily intake of vitamin C is present in one cup of raw bell peppers.
Include them in your diet to reduce the risk of the enlarged prostate. 4. Avocados According to studies, Avocados helps to mitigate symptoms related to BPH and ensure better urine flow and less residual urine in the bladder.
This is because Avocados are rich in Beta-sitosterol, a naturally occurring steroid alcohol. Other foods rich in beta-sitosterol are Pumpkin seeds, Wheat germ, Soybeans and Pecans. 5.
Tofu Tofu is very useful in curing men with an enlarged prostate. It decreases cancer cell growth in the prostate and helps to fight lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. Tofu or soy contains genistein, which is an isoflavone that has been proven to slow the growth of prostate tissues and prevent enlargement of the prostate.
6. Salmon The risk of enlarged prostate is high in obese people. Increasing Omega-3s, along with regular exercise, will help to reduce weight gain.
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats will protect you from cardiovascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and weight gain. You can get omega-3s from walnuts, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, and canola oil.
7. Berries Antioxidants and vitamin C present in berries like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries play an essential role in preventing damage from free radicals. Vitamin C is considered as a free radical scavenger as it acts as an antioxidant.
Eat berries to ease your BPH symptoms. Chris Mohr, who is a well-renowned nutrition expert for New York Times and advisory board member for Men’s Fitness magazine, recommends a smoothie by blending blueberries, banana, greens, peanut butter with milk and protein powder. This simple smoothie, if included in your diet regularly, may help you prevent an enlarged prostate.
In conclusion, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes, reducing red meat consumption, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help a lot. However, it’s always important to communicate with your doctor about the symptoms and seek medical advice.
